NATIONAL WOMEN AND GIRLS HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY
Observed annually on March 10th, National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day empowers people everywhere with knowledge and information regarding HIV/AIDS. It also focuses on the often-overlooked impact it has on women and girls.
#WomenGirlsHIVAIDSAwarenessDay
According to the CDC, HIV diagnoses in women are down 21%. However, in 2017, over 7,000 new cases were reported. When it comes to HIV, abstinence is the only way to prevent HIV. Other important facts to know:
- Condom use reduces the risk of infection. Use a new condom every time you have sex.
- Testing is the only way to know for sure if you have HIV.
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) offers hope for couples in relationships where one partner has HIV and the other doesn’t. Speak to your doctor about taking daily PrEP.
- Don’t put off medical care. Even if you already know your HIV status, putting off needed care may compromise your health in unnecessary ways. If you or someone you know isn’t seeking help out of fear of violence or rejection please call the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
- Medicine has come a long way baby. If you’re pregnant with HIV, the risk of passing it to your baby is less than .1% but it’s important that you work with a healthcare professional. Don’t wait.
- HIV is spread through sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment. Never share needles. It increases your risk of infections.
- Do you live with HIV? Take your medication as prescribed daily. It reduces your viral load and lowers the chance of transmitting HIV during sex to an HIV-negative partner.
HOW TO OBSERVE WOMEN AND GIRLS HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY
- Change your social media profile to reflect your support for friends and family members with HIV/AIDS.
- Clinics will host testing sights, encouraging women to test. Others will be inviting pregnant women to come in for exams.
- Visit womenshealth.gov to learn more about preventing HIV/AIDS.
- Encourage more women and girls to get tested.
- Provide services to those living with the disease.
- Talk to our daughters about the disease and how to protect themselves.
- Learn about how the disease has spread and help eliminate the stigma.
- Take a friend with HIV out to lunch and show your support.
- Use #WomenGirlsHIVAIDSAwarenessDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL WOMEN AND GIRLS HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY HISTORY
The Office on Women’s Health (OWH) within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services coordinates National Woman and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day each year to increase awareness about the importance of being tested for HIV/AIDS.
HIV/AIDS FAQ
Q. Where can I be tested for HIV?
A. Several facilities offer HIV testing. Look for these facilities where you live:
- Physician’s office
- STD or sexual health clinics
- Medical centers
- Health department
- Family planning clinics
- Treatment programs
You can also visit cdc.gov for listings.
Q. Is there a cure for HIV/AIDS?
A. No. Research continues and several treatment options are available for those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.
